Short answer: the JBL Control 25-1, if you are buying new. The JBL Control X ranks higher than it (#8 vs #12 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.2/5 vs 2.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Control 25-1 is still sold new at $470.
The JBL Control X is the better-sounding option. Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Watch for: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
Why pick the JBL Control 25-1: Direct successor to the long-standing Control 25T with an upgraded 5.25” woven-fiberglass cone woofer, 0.75” PEI diaphragm fluid-cooled tweeter, and wider 100° x 100° constant directivity coverage. The tradeoff: Compact commercial form factor and voice-optimized voicing limit deep bass extension, with low-end rolling off rapidly below 85Hz (-3dB) and 60Hz (-10dB).
Buy the JBL Control 25-1 new; the JBL Control X is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X | JBL Control 25-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 per pair Discontinued | $470.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #12 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide | 5.25” (135mm) woven-fiberglass cone woofer with WeatherEdge, 0.75” (19mm) PEI diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 90dB (1W @ 1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W | - |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port | High impact polystyrene (HIPS), IP44 weather-resistant |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) | 9.6”H x 7.4”W x 5.7”D (243 x 188 x 145 mm) |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 | - |
| Power Handling | - | 100W continuous / 200W program |
| Coverage | - | 100° x 100° |
| Frequency Response | - | 85Hz - 17kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response (-10dB) | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Control X:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control X
- Revel M80XC vs JBL Control X
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs JBL Control X
- Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Control X
- Revel M55XC vs JBL Control X
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Control X: $205 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage XD-5, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5.
Pros: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Features JBL’s High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for wide, controlled 60-degree horizontal directivity. Distortion remains low through the midband, and the ported cabinet delivers usable mid-bass energy for its modest footprint. Measured bass extension of 108.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance. Bass extension falls off below 90Hz (-6dB), and the speaker is discontinued.
Full JBL Control X review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Control 25-1: $470.00 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Older model: the JBL Control 25T (ranked lower, rated 2.2/5).
Pros: Direct successor to the long-standing Control 25T with an upgraded 5.25” woven-fiberglass cone woofer, 0.75” PEI diaphragm fluid-cooled tweeter, and wider 100° x 100° constant directivity coverage. Solid 200W program power handling (8-ohm bypass) and built-in 30W multi-tap 70V/100V transformer provide versatile commercial integration. WeatherEdge enclosure design achieves an IP44 outdoor rating with dependable InvisiBall mounting hardware.
Cons: Compact commercial form factor and voice-optimized voicing limit deep bass extension, with low-end rolling off rapidly below 85Hz (-3dB) and 60Hz (-10dB). Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so tonal linearity is estimated from lineage.
Full JBL Control 25-1 review and specifications →
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 100° x 100° |
| Dimensions | 9.6”H x 7.4”W x 5.7”D (243 x 188 x 145 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (135mm) woven-fiberglass cone woofer with WeatherEdge, 0.75” (19mm) PEI diaphragm tweeter with fluid cooling |
| Enclosure | High impact polystyrene (HIPS), IP44 weather-resistant |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz - 17kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response (-10dB) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W continuous / 200W program |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (1W @ 1m) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Control 25-1 vs Polk Audio Atrium 4
- JBL Control 25-1 vs JBL Control 25T
- JBL Control 25-1 vs OSD Audio AP650
- JBL Control 25-1 vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- JBL Control 25-1 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- JBL Control 25-1 vs RSL Outsider II
- JBL Control 25-1 vs Revel M55XC
- JBL Control 25-1 vs Focal 100 OD6
- See all 11 comparisons